The Economic Burden of Alopecia Areata: Evidence from a Survey in Norway and Sweden
Löfvendahl S, Hjalte F, Haggren I, Engdal Hamre E-A, Balieva F, Schmitt-Egenolf M
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease leading to unpredictable hair loss — but its impact extends beyond the visible symptoms. This study examines the societal costs of AA in Norway and Sweden. The analysis is based on a web-based survey conducted between May and July 2024 among adults with self-reported AA. A total of 329 respondents were included (263 from Norway and 66 from Sweden).
Costs were estimated from a societal perspective and included direct costs (healthcare visits, medications, wigs and other headgear) as well as indirect costs related to productivity losses. Productivity losses comprised both sick leave and reduced productivity while at work (presenteeism) during the previous 12 months.
Results
- The mean annual total cost per individual was 7,677 euro in Norway and 12,582 euro in Sweden.
- Indirect costs accounted for the largest share of total costs (61% in Norway and 64% in Sweden).
- Presenteeism represented the single largest cost component in both countries.
- A substantial proportion of direct costs was paid out-of-pocket (65% in Norway and approximately 50% in Sweden).
- Out-of-pocket expenses were mainly related to wigs, other headgear, and hair camouflage products or services.
The study was not designed to compare Norway and Sweden. Differences in sample characteristics, age distribution, resource use and unit costs mean that the reported cost levels should not be interpreted as direct cross-country comparisons.
Further research is needed in larger and more representative populations and should integrate cost data with patient-reported outcomes. There is also a need to assess how emerging treatment options influence healthcare use, productivity losses and out-of-pocket expenditures over time.
For more information, please contact Sofia Löfvendahl
Acta Dermato-Venereologica 106, adv–2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2340/actadv.v106.adv-2025-0114
Cite: Löfvendahl, S., Hjalte, F., Haggren, I., Engdal Hamre, E.-A., Balieva, F., & Schmitt-Egenolf, M. (2026). The Economic Burden of Alopecia Areata: Evidence from a Survey in Norway and Sweden. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 106, adv–2025.
